St. Xavier Ignatian Global Scholar Program

The Ignatian Global Scholars program creates opportunities for students to engage in ongoing academic and cocurricular experiences that form global citizens for and with others. Earning the IGS distinction demonstrates the student’s academic achievement and a deep commitment to giving greater glory to God by taking action toward a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

In this program, students will:

learn what an Ignatian Global Citizen is
examine issues of global significance
further develop their capacity to think critically about complex topics, recognize and respect varied perspectives, and communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences
reflect on their place and responsibility in the world and the role of their faith in their development as Men for Others
take action for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all
connect to other Jesuit school students through virtual exchange

All St. Xavier students are eligible to pursue the Ignatian Global Scholar distinction. Students who earn the distinction will be awarded the Ignatian Global Scholar certificate and will be recognized in the graduation program. The distinction of Global Scholar will also be included on the student’s transcript.

To earn the Ignatian Global Scholar distinction, students should successfully complete 7 of the 9 components, selecting at least 1 component from each of the following categories: Context, Experience, Reflection, Action and Evaluation. Students work closely with an advisor over the program’s 2-3 years to monitor the fulfillment of the requirements.

Component Categories

Context

Curriculum–Students will complete a minimum of 4 courses with a global dimension. All IGS candidates will take the program’s semester-long foundation course, Global Perspectives, in the sophomore or junior year. The remaining 3 courses can be selected from the following list: World Religions, Faith in the Wild, Walking the Way, The Gospel According to Pop Culture, World Literature, Other Voices in American Literature, AP English Language and Composition, AP European History, AP Human Geography, 20th Century World Wars, Environmental Science (+AP), Marine Biology, a 4th year of language study.
Language Study–Students will earn 3 credits in the study of a single world language (or its equivalent through approved means such as testing or the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy).
Global Events–Students will participate in 6 different events that have an Ignatian global citizenship focus. This could take the form of a speaker series, reading list, or workshops.*Mrs. Bower will facilitate these global events and notify students as they become available. Students may consult with her about possible qualifying events available outside the school community.

Experience

Intercultural Experience–Students will take part in a sustained experience where they form a relationship with an organization, group, or set of people that allows them to interact with a culturally diverse group while sharing a common vision. This should help them deepen their awareness of their place and responsibilities in our interconnected world. Examples: Educational travel experiences, virtual exchanges (such as the Jesuit Global Activism Leadership Summit), IFTJ, transnational lived experience within own community or family, ongoing service, local affinity dialogues, work experiences that have cultural diversity or a mission that relates back to global issues.
Co-curricular Involvement–Students will have an ongoing, active involvement with a group that focuses on sustainability, social justice, and/or understanding perspectives or cultures other than one’s own. This may take the form of formal or informal leadership roles. Examples: Global X-plorers (the IGS club), Environmental Action Club, Model United Nations, Hands Across Campus, language clubs, Fair Trade Club, Mission Club, AMDG Club, X-cceptance Club, St. X United, Asian Pacific Alliance.

Reflection

Ongoing and Culminating Reflection–Students will continuously complete self-reflections to evaluate their work in becoming global citizens and to understand how this deepens their relationship with God. At the end of the program, they should complete a final reflection to review their time in the program and how it will inform their future interactions with others, God and the world.

Action

Service–Students will participate in an ongoing local relationship-building experience that correlates to the global citizenship goals as articulated in the “Ignatian Definition.” Examples: mission trips, environmental action projects, peer tutoring, After School Service, Big Brothers, Liturgical Music, Kairos leader, Emmaus leader (junior or senior), Campus Ministry Core Team.
Project–Students will complete a project with a global focus, which should be shared with other community members. Examples: Research project with a presentation to school community members, art display focused on immigrant experiences, action campaign within the school or local community. Examples: research project, art display, or action campaign focused on the UAPs or SDGs.

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